Outdoor Recreation On and Near the Coast

From biking and hiking to running and surfing, here’s a look at some upcoming outdoor recreation events, lessons and demos, starting this weekend. Ongoing events are listed at the end.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz

All rider levels are welcome. The pace depends on who shows up. Most of the regulars are intermediate and very social. If the group is large then everyone splits into a fast and slow group. The route and total distance vary, but the group typically does about 12 miles and around 1,600 feet of climbing. Meet at 10 a.m. at the park sign just north of the tunnel under Highway 1. The best way to get to the meeting spot is to park in the Wilder Ranch parking lot, walk your bike through the ranch area, past the barn, chickens and garden and ride under the highway using the tunnel. You should see the park sign by the cattle gate. For more information, go to www.mbosc.org.

South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group, Alum Rock and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, San Jose

The Sierra View and Calaveras Fault trails are part of a new trail system that opened up in the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve only last September. These trails provide stunning canyon and valley views as they rise high to the north and east of Alum Rock Canyon. Meet at 8:30 a.m. the Alum Rock Park parking lot for Quail Hollow and Eagle Rock picnic areas, which is about half a mile past the pay booth on the right side of the road, for a 12-mile hike. The hike is long with some tough hills, but the trails are in excellent shape. $12 membership dues to cut down on non-participation and to assist in the cost of running the Meetup group site, paying for essentials at picnics and other events and the time and effort involved in running an active group. For more information, visit www.southbayramblers.com.

ROMP: Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers, Mid-Peninsula Open Space Russian Ridge Preserve, Woodside

Enjoy a ride for experienced beginners and intermediates who want to go slower. Meet at 10:15 a.m. (wheels roll at 10:30) to ride, socialize, enjoy the scenery, and work on your biking skills at a slow to moderate pace with frequent breaks for 2.5 hours or more depending on group wishes. Explore and learn new trails in a supportive group or share your favorites in these preserves. Bring your helmet, water, sunscreen and possibly a snack. Rain cancels. Meet in the Vista point parking area on Skyline Blvd/ Highway 35 located 1.1 miles north of its intersection with Page Mill Road and directly across from the Mid-Peninsula Open Space Russian Ridge Preserve. For more information, to go http://romp.org.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

ROMP: Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers, Fort Ord, Monterey

Ride with the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA) and ROMP for a new tradition, the 4th Sunday Fort Ord Ride and BBQ with open and flowing trails in Fort Ord, some of the last undeveloped natural wildlands on the Monterey Peninsula. Located on the former Fort Ord military base, here the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) protects and manages 35 species of rare plants and animals along with their native coastal habitats. This will be a no drop ride with riders of different ability levels. All riders are welcome to join in the fun. Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot at 8th and Giggling Road in Marina to start the ride at 10 a.m. Bring something to grill for the BBQ (MORCA will provide a barbeque). For more information, to go http://romp.org.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz

Beginner or slower mountain bikers should take this monthly slow ride every 4th Saturday of the month. This ride at Wilder Ranch State Park will be at a more leisurely pace. There will probably be an intermediate/advanced group for the regulars and fast riders as well. The slow ride is beginner-friendly but does require fitness and controlled off-road bike handling skills. Meet at 10 a.m. at the park sign just north of the tunnel under Highway 1. The best way to get to the meeting spot is to park in the Wilder Ranch parking lot, walk your bike through the ranch area, past the barn, chickens and garden and ride under the highway using the tunnel. You should see the park sign by the cattle gate. For more information, go to www.mbosc.org.

Monday, February 20, 2012 

California Canoe & Kayak, Pillar Point Tour
Get up close and personal with harbor seals, marine birds and other wildlife on a kayak tour of Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. No previous experience necessary for double kayaks. $49. Trip duration: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 650-728-1803 or e-mail kenny@calkayak.com to reserve space.

Sunday, February 25, 2012

Pacific Coast Trail Run, 9km, 21Km, 30km & 50km, , Pacifica

Travel through eucalyptus trees and past Brooks Falls on your way to North Peak overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park is located in the northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed coastal mountain habitat found in over 100 miles of coastline. Fully-stocked aid stations every 9 to 11 kilometers. You can expect fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, boiled potatoes and salt, water, and Clif Shot Electrolyte sports drink. If you would like to be sure that you have Clif product, SaltStick capsules, or any other specific item at the event, you should carry it with you. Registration now open at http://pctrailruns.com/event.aspx?dtid=9925. Entry fees range from $35 to $65.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Woodside Kings Mountain Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run, Woodside

Hilly and challenging with more than 1,800 feet of climbing and descending terrain over the course of the race, the Woodside Kings Mountain Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run gives runners the chance to run one of Northern California's first trail half marathons of the year through Huddart County Park, whose 973 acres are nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains just south of San Francisco. $40 for the half marathon, if registered before February 18, 2012; $45 on Feb. 18 and after. To reserve your spot in the late winter 2012 running of the Woodside King's Mountain Half Marathon or 5-Mile race, click here.

Montara Mountain Trail Run, 10 km half marathon, 50 km marathon, Pacifica

Starts at 8 a.m. at San Pedro Valley Park, 600 Oddstad Boulevard, Pacifica. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Montara Mountain features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found over 100 miles of coastline. Experience groves of Huckleberry, Honeysuckle, Lilac, Chinquapin and Manzanita, with beautiful views of the Pacific Coast as you climb. (Distances are accurately measured using a Rolatape® surveyor's measuring wheel). Fully-stocked aid stations every 6 - 7 miles. You can expect fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, water, and Clif Shot Electrolyte sports drink. It is highly recommended that runners carry at least 20 oz. of water between aid stations. For more information and to register, go to www.coastaltrailruns.com/mm_montara_mountain.html.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Big Sur Mud Run, Monterey

The Mud Run is an approximate 5 mile loop course beginning and ending at Freeman Stadium on the Cal State University, Monterey Bay, (CSUMB) campus. The course is partially on the road and partially on trails and includes hills, water, obstacles, five foot walls and four mud pits. You will get wet and you will get muddy. You'll be able to run through a shower just before entering the finish area and be sure to bring snacks, towels and a change of clothing. Go to the Big Sur Mud Run website to register and read more about this event. Meet at Freeman Stadium on the CSUMB campus. The race starts at 8 a.m.  

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Pacific Coast Trail Run, 10km, 17Km, 35Km & 50km, Woodside

Starting at 8:00 a.m. at the Werder Shelter. Park entrance is $5 per vehicle. No dogs allowed in the park. Experience the towering redwoods, lush ferns, and beautiful trails through Huddart Park, King's Mountain, Bear Gulch, and Wunderlich Park. Fully-stocked aid stations every 7 - 14 kilometers. You can expect fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, boiled potatoes & salt, water, and Clif Shot Electrolyte sports drink. If you would like to be sure that you have Clif product, SaltStick capsules, or any other specific item at the event, you should carry it with you. To register, go to http://pctrailruns.com.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Yoga With Love, Celebrating Motherhood, Outdoor Yoga Retreat

This Mother's Day, treat yourself from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to a rejuvenating day of self-reflection, yoga and mindfulness at Tunitas Creek Ranch in Half Moon Bay. You'll have time to journal, read, hike, practice yoga, meditate, create art, sing, dance and reflect on your journey as a mother. Take this opportunity to tend to yourself and connect with other moms in the Bay Area who enjoy practicing yoga, creating community and mothering mindfully. A lovely organic lunch will be provided. With yoga instructor Jackie Long. For more information, e-mail jackie@yogawtihlove.com.

Ongoing

Beaches & Bluffs Segway Tour, Pacifica

This tour covers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, two beaches and weathered bluffs. Starting from Rockaway Beach, ride through a rock quarry, climb 12 switchbacks up Strawberry Hill, see wildflowers, historic sites, surfers and more. About two hours plus free training. 10 a.m and 2 p.m.  $75 per person. Age 16 and up recommended.  For information and reservations, call 650-355-8655.

Rockaway & Quarry Segway Tour, Pacifica

Explore an abandoned quarry by paved trail and off-road as you find your Segway Legs and learn the history of this beautiful area. The wide variety of terrain and beauty of the ocean and surroundings makes this a great introductory segway tour. About one hour, plus free training. 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m.  $60 per person. Age 16 and up recommended.  For information and reservations, call 650-355-8655.

rentals,

Kayak rentals are available by appointment. Call for rental availability at 650-728-1803 or e-mail kenny@calkayak.com. Rental rates: $15/hr for single kayak; $25/hr for tandem kayak. Take-away rentals available by appointment: $50/day for single kayak; $60/day for tandem kayak (reduced rates for additional days).

Coastside Running Club, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach

Every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. members of the take their usual route south through the forest, through the Moss Beach Distillery, and along the bluffs to Pillar Point Harbor (near Mavericks waves) and then back. The entire run takes 50 minutes to an hour to complete the five miles. This is a fun social run, to stay in shape and talk about upcoming races, training, life, etc. No fees or dues. Just bring a smile and your running shoes.

Half Moon Bay Kayak Co., Pillar Point Harbor Tour, Pillar Point

Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., this tour is designed for tourists and locals alike. After a brief kayak and safety orientation, we will launch our kayaks and glide across the tranquil waters of the Pillar Point Harbor amid the sea birds and harbor seals. Your guides will point out the unique sites and offer information on topics such as the local history, bird life, marine mammals, and the legendary Mavericks surf spot.  $65. Call 650-773-6101 for more information.

Boardsports Windsurfing & Kiteboarding School, every Sunday, Coyote Point, San Mateo

Intro to Kiteboarding Clinic. Meet at 1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo from 4-5:30 p.m. $50. Call 385-1224 for more information.

Boardsports Stand Up Paddle (SUP) clinic, every Sunday, Coyote Point, San Mateo

Beginner SUP Clinic at 1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo from 9 to 10:30 a.m. every Sunday for $99.

SUP Yoga session with and Omjavid Yoga

Meet at Mavericks Surf Shop, 25 Johnson Pier, Pillar Point Harbor, suit-up, paddle out to flat water and do yoga with Omjavid Yoga instructor. Call Mavericks Surf Shop at 560-8088 for times, fees and to sign up.

Jetty Betty Surf School, Half Moon Bay

Surf lessons, specializing in 1:1 lessons. Cost: $120 for a private 90-minute lesson. Only $80 more for each additional surfer. Call (650) 455-8141 or email jettybettysurf@hotmail.com for more information.

, Half Moon Bay
Group, semi-private and private surfing lessons for all ages; ocean safety instruction Half Moon Bay. Call 650-726-8686 or click here for more information. 

, Pacifica

Weeklong and weekend instruction for kids and families; trips, birthday and corporate parties surfing. Call 650-738-5757 or visit www.surfpacifica.com.

Half Moon Bay Yacht Club, Sailing on Sundays and Sunday Skipper, Princeton-by-the-Sea

HMBYC Members get checked out by the club's senior sailors and can be certified to use the Club’s Cal20s, C15s, Lasers or other boats for a leisurely sail inside Pillar Point Harbor. Sunday Skippers take out small groups for a sail in the Harbor. For more information, e-mail sailing@hmbyc.org.

, Masters and Lap Swim, Half Moon Bay

Masters: The newly-formed Mavericks Masters team, coached by Bill Saxsenmier and Cindy Lee, offers coached practices for those swimmers who compete and for those who would like to structured practices in a group environment. Swimmers must be registered with USA Masters. MAV Masters practice times are: Monday - Friday: 5:30 – 7 a.m., 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays:  11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lap Swim: Lap swim is for those of any age 18+ wishing to swim on their own and at their own pace.  Lap swim times are the same as above for Masters. $60 for a 10-swim pass or unlimited access pass to adult/masters sessions in a calendar month. All Masters and adult lap swim participants must be members of United States Masters Swimming.  You can join USMS online by visiting www.usms.org and clicking on the join/renew links.

, trail and beach horseback riding, Half Moon Bay

Located at 1828 Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay, Sea Horse Ranch is open seven days a week at 8 a.m. The one-hour trail ride is $55; 1.5-hour trail and beach ride is $65; and two-hour trail and beach ride is $75, which includes the Coastal Equestrian Trail that travels farther onto the bluffs above the ocean, and then down onto Poplar Beach, north on Poplar Beach for about 20 minutes, and then back to the Ranch on Cabrillo Highway. For the early bird special ride, which is $50 for the 2-hour trail and beach ride, get to the front gage by 8 a.m. to qualify. Bring sweatshirts or jackets. For more information, go to www.seahorseranch.org or call 650-726-9903.

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